Flutter Entertainment extends gambling-awareness programme to all new FAI national teams

Flutter Entertainment has confirmed it will fund the extension of a gambling-awareness programme to cover all new Football Association of Ireland (FAI) national teams, with the expanded scheme due to take effect from 1 September 2026.

The initiative is designed to educate players about the risks associated with gambling, according to Flutter Entertainment. By broadening the programme’s reach to new national teams under the FAI, the company said it aims to ensure that a wider group of players receive education on gambling-related risks as part of their development within the association’s structures.

Wider reach across FAI teams

The move means the awareness programme, previously limited in scope, will now extend across all new national teams operating under the FAI umbrella. Flutter Entertainment has not detailed which specific squads fall under the definition of “new” national teams, but the funding commitment applies from the effective date in September 2026.

Flutter Entertainment, which owns a portfolio of betting and gaming brands, positioned the funding as part of its ongoing support for player welfare initiatives within football. The company said the programme’s purpose remains focused on giving players the tools and understanding needed to recognise and manage gambling-related risks.

No further financial or operational details, including the scale of funding or the specific content of the educational sessions, were disclosed by Flutter Entertainment at this stage.

The extension follows a broader pattern across the gambling industry of operators funding awareness and education schemes aimed at athletes, who can face particular exposure to gambling-related harm given their public profile and proximity to sport. Flutter Entertainment’s continued involvement with the FAI programme signals an intention to maintain and grow its role in athlete-focused safer gambling education ahead of the 2026 rollout.

The FAI has not issued a separate statement on the extension, with the announcement coming directly from Flutter Entertainment. Further details on how the programme will be delivered to the newly included national teams, and whether additional partners will be involved, have not yet been made public.

Gambling News will continue to monitor developments as the 1 September 2026 effective date approaches and further specifics of the expanded programme are confirmed.